Diapers Q&A

Which cloth diapers are best and where to buy them?

My daughter is very small still, even though she's 2 months old and most cloth diapers I've seen are big. She has such sensitive skin, I'd really like to start using cloth diapers. I've been using Huggies Supreme Newborn Care diapers and they are nice, they don't have that plastic feel that most other diapers do. I'm moving in a week and I'm going to have a brand new washer and dryer (I live in an apartment currently and don't have my own), so that gives me even more of a reason to start cloth diapers. I've been considering gDiapers, they are kind of like disposible cloth diapers. Can you guys recommend any better ones?

Public Comments

1. I use Bumgenius 3.0. They are a "onesize" diaper. With adjustable snaps to resize as your child grows. they are really absorbant, easy to wash and go on JUST like a disposable. Also I like Fuzzi Bunz. I use the "old style" but I hear the new style is pretty much the same, just with small improvements. They are a pocket diaper, again very absorbant, easy to wash. And REALLY cute colors. Your cheapest bet is prefolds & covers. I used these when my daughter was about 4 months, and didn't really care for them. I didn't get the hang of folding them right so she always leaked. It is really a trial and error sort of thing. Order a couple diapers in different brands and see what works best for you, because everyone will have a different opinion. Good luck, cloth diapering can actually be "fun" once you get the hang of it!
2. We are using basic "Chinese Prefolds" and diaper covers. I have a few Bum Genius pocket diapers, but my little one is too skinny so if she is lying on her side, she just pees out the legs onto my lap. Plus with prefolds you wash the covers less so they last longer. I use wool soakers and we just trade off between two pairs in the day and wash them every couple of days. (I have to wash them by hand and then lanolize every couple of weeks) Prefolds are best for us because you fold and pin them smaller for the skinny babies, plus they are the cheapest. I bought 2 dozen infant size and 2 dozen toddler size before my daughter was born and we have been using them sice we ran out of the pack the hospital sent home with us. (Even with the cord still on) We twist her diapers like bowtie pasta, so they fit snug on the legs...the folding doesn't work as well on thin infants...i've seen it work on the older ones once they plump up though.
3. Well it really depends on your budget, lifestyle and baby when it comes down to the question of "what's the best cloth diaper?" Do you prefer economical diapers? Do you prefer convenient diapers? Do you have the time and patience to fold diapers, get them on the baby, fasten them and then put on a cover? Would you prefer one step? Do you need diapers that dry fast? The cheapest route is pre-folds with covers, but it is the most inconvenient. You will need 24-36 pre-folds and 6-8 covers. You also may want to buy some snappi fasteners and liners or doublers. You have to fold the pre-fold diapers to fit on the baby, then fasten, then put on the cover. Example of pre-fold diapers: http://www.parentingbynature.com/201_unbleached_prefolds.htm Example of fastener: http://www.parentingbynature.com/04_snappi.htm Example of cover: http://www.bummis.com/en/Products/covers/SuperBrite.html The middle option (for both price and convenience) is fitted or contour diapers with covers. Again, you need about 24-36 diapers and 4-6 covers. Fitted diapers and contour diapers don't require folding. Fitted diapers will have fasteners included, either velcro or snaps (poppers). Contour diapers require a fastener, or a snug fitting cover. Both types need to have a cover over them. Example of fitted diaper: http://www.bummis.com/en/Products/covers/Bamboozle.html Example of contour diaper: http://www.softclothbunz.com/Kissaluvs-Contour-Diaper_p_0-166.html The most expensive route is pocket and all-in-one (AIO) diapers. These are the most convenient though as they have either velcro or snap closure and their cover is built-in. All-in-one diapers consist of a waterproof outershell (normally PUL or nylon) and layer of absorbent material sewn on the inside (flannel, hemp etc). Pocket diapers are also a PUL outer shell with a stay dry liner (normally fleece, mirco suede, velour or minkee) interior --- there are no absorbent layers in a pocket diaper, they must be added. Pocket diaper have an opening in the back or front of the diaper where you need to add absorbent inserts, usually micro terry or hemp fleece. All-in-one diapers will take longer to dry, while pocket diapers are quick to dry since the absorbent layers are separate. Example of AIO diaper: http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/securestore/c153258p16870526.2.html Example of a pocket diaper: http://www.jamtots.com/Baby-Kangas-One-Size-Pouch-Diaper-C502.aspx Personally I chose to use pocket diapers during the day and fitted diapers at night. You can save some money by buying one-size (OS) diapers so you only have to buy the diapers once instead of multiple times as your baby grows. I use the Tots Bots Bamboozle diapers above for night -- they are highly absorbent and are one-size. I use the Baby Kanga OS pocket diapers shown as an example above and I also use bumGenius OS pocket diapers during the day. I prefer pocket diapers because they are quick to put on (my baby is an acrobat on the change table), they dry fast and the absorbency is adjustable by adding or removing inserts from the diaper. You can lay doublers inside AIO diapers but they bunch and just don't work as well I find. When it comes down to where to buy? Well, online you will find better prices. You can buy some good quality diapers in retail stores, mostly baby boutiques. Don't buy cloth diapers at places like Kmart and Walmart --- they are very low quality. You will end up giving up on cloth diapers! Decide on the diapers you want to try and see if you can find a site that offers everything you want. Usually sites will give you free shipping when you buy over a certain amount of stuff, so you can save some money that way. I use gDiapers for outings, but I prefer cloth diapers. The gDiapers will work out to more money than using regular disposables like Huggies if you are using them full time. They do work well though and I would definitely recommend buying a Starter Pack to try them out. Good luck! If you have more questions feel free to email me.